I guess you really don't forget how to ride a bicycle

[untonuggan]

I learned how to ride a bike this year (in my mid-20s), and have been uber-excited about it. Then I had some health problems this summer (namely, unexplained dizziness while doing cardio) that made riding really difficult. I did not want to get a dizzy  spell while on my bike.

Things have been gradually improving, but I was hesitant to ride my bike. I've heard lots of stories about people "never forgetting how to ride," but I had just learned. All of the fear I'd carried about bicycling for years started to creep back in. What if I fell? I didn't want another injury.

Today is beautiful, and I finally decided, "Frell it, if I fall then I fall."

I was able to start correctly (i.e. not sitting on the saddle while starting) on the first try, and it was even better than when I last rode. Shifting gears, making fiddly turns, stopping, all of it.

Now I just have to squeeze in as much riding as I can before the weather turns foul.

(crossposted to my own journal)

Comments

[sara]

Glad to hear both that your health issues are improving and that you're back up on your bike!

[untonuggan]

Thanks!

[darkemeralds]

Congratulations!

(And, depending on where you live and how foul the weather becomes, I hope you won't let it stop you.)

[untonuggan]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm currently contemplating which cold-weather clothes I'd want to wear on the bike. I've heard good things about wool...and I actually have some of that, as opposed to winter-weight expensive lycra things.

[darkemeralds]

I didn't believe it till I tried it, but merino wool is the best fiber in the world for comfort in the cold, and even in very mild temperatures. It breathes, it's washable, it doesn't retain odors, and it remains warm even when you're sweaty. And it comes in a variety of thicknesses. I've got a pair of leggings no thicker than regular tights that I can wear under dress trousers without bulk, and be comfortable on all but the coldest days here in Portland.

I wouldn't dream of trying to get through a winter anymore without my merino wool. And if you shop around, you don't need to pay a lot for it. I've found some good stuff at Sierra Trading Post (check the "Woolskins" brand, among others).

I hope you try winter riding. It's my favorite kind.

[untonuggan]

I just learned how to knit, so this is an excellent rationale for buying merino wool. Thanks!

[darkemeralds]

Oh my gosh, another knitting bicyclist! \o/

[aedifica]

One more here! :-)

[darkemeralds]

Sock icon FTW!

[zing_och]

This is really cool! Congratulations!

[untonuggan]

Thanks!

[giglet]

Fantastic! Go you!

[untonuggan]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[copracat]

It's hard to be off the bike when the skies are clear! Congratulations on getting back on.

[untonuggan]

Thanks! Yeah, there were many days were I wanted to run screaming after the bikers on the bike lane outside my house going, "Me toooooooo!"